Level 1: Introduction to Kayak Fishing Skills Assessment

Assessment Course Overview

This ACA Assessment Course is designed to evaluate your ability to perform all of the skills listed and demonstrate an appropriate level of paddling knowledge. This assessment course provides the opportunity for you to receive documentation of having achieved this level of paddling ability.

Note: The use of spray skirts is not appropriate for Level 1: Introduction to Kayaking courses.

Assessment Course Prerequisites

Acknowledgment of personal compliance with the ACA Essential Eligibility Criteria (EEC)
Be a current ACA Member
Agree to comply with the ACA Code of Conduct
Completion of an ACA Level 1: Introduction to Kayak Fishing Skills Course, or posses equivalent skills.

Course Location / Accessible Venues

Flat water, protected from wind, waves and outside boat traffic, with current less than 0.5 knots and within swimming distance of shore.

Course Size

5 Participants: 1 Instructor; with an additional qualified assistant, the ratio can be 10 : 2. The maximum number of participants permitted is 10.

Instructor

This assessment course may be offered by Level 1: Introduction to Kayaking (or higher) ACA Instructors, Instructor Trainers, or Instructor Trainer Educators with the ACA Paddlesports Fishing Endorsement.

Course Outline

The sequence of assessment should be adjusted to best fit the participant’s needs, class location, time allowance, and kayak being used. Participants must be able to perform all strokes, maneuvers, rescues, and skills in the appropriate venue. In addition, the participant must demonstrate the appropriate level of knowledge for this level of skill assessment.

Introduction, Expectations, and Logistics

Welcome, introductions, paperwork
Student and Instructor course expectations and limitations
Explain assessment procedure
Course itinerary and site logistics
Review waiver, assumption of risk, challenge by choice, medical disclosure
About the ACA
PFD policy (always wear on water)
Appropriate personal behavior
- No alcohol / substance abuse
- Proper etiquette on and off the water
- Respect private property
- Practice Leave No Trace ethics

Conclusion and Wrap-Up

Group debrief/individual feedback
Course limitations
Importance of First Aid and CPR
Importance of additional instruction, practice, experience
Importance of appropriate level of safety and rescue training
Life sport / paddling options
Local paddling groups / clubs
Handouts / reference materials
ACA membership
Course evaluations
Assessment cards (If applicable)

Assessment Criteria Checklist

Participant Name: ________________________________

Participant ACA Membership #: __________________

Course Venue: _____________________________________

Course Date(s): ____________________________________

Y = Meets Standard, N = Below Standard, DNO = Did Not Observe

Participant must be able to perform all strokes and maneuvers, rescues, and skills in the appropriate venue. In addition, the participant must demonstrate the appropriate level of knowledge for this skill assessment level.

Personal and Group Safety	Pass? P/N/DNO
Demonstrates use of appropriate life jacket (PFD) and fishing-specific safety gear.
Identifies personal safety considerations when combining fishing and paddling.
Demonstrates awareness of environmental hazards (wind, weather, boat traffic, hooks, sharp gear).
Shows understanding of Leave No Trace and ethical angling practices.

Equipment Knowledge and Use	Pass? P/N/DNO
Identifies essential fishing and paddling equipment for kayak fishing.
Demonstrates proper use of rod holders, anchors, and gear storage.
Shows ability to manage tackle and rods without compromising boat stability.
Explains the advantages and disadvantages of varying kayak types for fishing.

Kayak Handling	Pass? P/N/DNO
Enters and exits the kayak safely with fishing gear.
Demonstrates forward paddling, stopping, turning, and reverse strokes with fishing gear stowed.
Maintains balance and control while handling rod and paddle interchangeably
Demonstrates ability to position kayak safely for casting and retrieval.

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